Water damage protection system for cabinets

ABSTRACT

A water damage protection system can be installed in an existing cabinet or provided as a repair kit. The water damage protection system is disposed within a hidden compartment of a cabinet and includes at least one water tub which catches water from a potential leak. In an embodiment for use with double-doored cabinets, the compartment includes two tubs for catching water. The tub(s) sits directly on the floor, and may include adjustable legs or the like. The water tub(s) may include at least one water sensor which is activated when the tank starts to fill. In an embodiment, the water damage protection system includes grate shelves which sit on top of the device, the shelves having openings to allow water to pass through. The shelving is sturdy enough to support various household items and cleaning supplies stored in the cabinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cabinets, and more particularly to a water damage protection system for cabinets.

2. Description of the Related Art

Water damage from leaking pipes, faucets and sinks is a common problem in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Often, the water damage necessitates ripping out rotted wood and replacement with plywood or the like. In many cases, the damage is so extensive that the entire cabinet must be replaced.

In the prior art, various devices have been designed to address the problem. For example, drip trays can be placed in a cabinet to catch dripping water. However, these devices take up considerable space in the cabinet and are usually employed only after a leak is detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a water damage protection system that is installed in an existing cabinet or provided as a repair kit. The water damage protection system is disposed within a “hidden compartment” of a cabinet and includes at least one water tub which catches water from a potential leak. In an embodiment for use with double-doored cabinets, the compartment includes two tubs for catching water. The tub(s) sit directly on the floor, and may include adjustable legs or the like. The water tub(s) may include at least one water sensor which is activated when the tank starts to fill. In an embodiment, the water damage protection system includes grate shelves which sit on top of the device, the shelves having openings to allow water to pass through. The shelving is sturdy enough to support various household items and cleaning supplies stored in the cabinet. For new cabinets having the water damage protection system already installed, there would be grooves on the interior sides of the cabinet specifically designed to accommodate flanges of the tub and the legs (if any) would not need to be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a water damage protection system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is an expanded view of a portion of the water damage protection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a component of the water damage protection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a shelf portion of the water damage protection system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a water damage protection system 100 compatible with a double-doored cabinet is shown. The system 100 includes a first water tub 110 and second water tub 112. The tubs 110, 112 sit directly on the floor 104 and are adjustable as to height. The tubs 110, 112 include adjustable support legs 120. In an alternative embodiment, any suitable construction or device may be used to provide adjustable height to the tubs. Alternatively, a cabinet with a single door compartment may include a single water tub.

As illustrated, in a configuration including two tubs, the tubs 110, 112 respectively include first interlocking means 130 and second interlocking means 132, which are constructed and arranged to interlock. The tubs 110, 112 are joined together near the middle of the cabinet by interlocking first interlocking means 130 of first tub 110 and second interlocking means 132 of second tub 112. The interlocking means 130, 132 do not interfere with the wooden vertical piece present in most two-door cabinets, particularly the type of two-door cabinets used in a kitchen. The tubs 110, 112 sit upon wooden supports 134 which are inserted into the existing grooves 136 in the interior walls 138 of the cabinet, which grooves 136 are a standard feature in standard cabinets.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each support 134 has an L-shaped cross section, having five sides. In the embodiment shown at FIGS. 1 and 3, side A is 1 inch in length, side B is 1½ inches in length, sides C, D and F are ¾ inch in length and side E is ¼ inch in length. However, in alternative embodiments of the system for different types of cabinets or other articles of furniture, the support 134 may be made of wood or any other suitable material, and may be of any suitable size and dimensions.

The tub basin 140, 142 of each tub 110, 112 includes an asymmetric floor 150 which at its lowest portion defines a water detection reservoir 152. The water detection reservoir 152 may optionally include a water sensor (not shown), that is activatable when the basin starts to fill with water. The water sensor 160 may, for example, sound an alarm when activated.

The asymmetric tub basin floor 150 is slanted to permit water to drain into the reservoir 152 thereof. In the embodiment shown at FIG. 1, the width of the basins of tubs 110, 112 is 13.25 inches and depth of tubs 110, 112 is from about 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches along the slanted portion of the tub basin floor 150. The tub basin floor 150 drops off about 0.5 inch between the slanted portion of the floor 150 and the reservoir 152. The tub depth at the reservoir 152 is about 4.0 inches. The thickness of the tubs 110, 112 is about ⅛ inch, and the upper opening 170, 172 of the tub includes about a ¼ inch lip or flange 174, 176. Tubs 110, 112 may be made of any suitable material such as molded plastic. It is to be understood that the tubs 110, 112 may be of any suitable size and dimensions.

Grate shelves 180, 182 are removably supported by each tub 110, 112, sitting on flange 174, 176. Grate shelves 180, 182 sit on top of the device 100, having holes 184 to allow water to pass through. At the same time, the shelves 180, 182 are sturdy enough to support various household items and cleaning supplies stored in the cabinet. The shelves 180, 182 may be made of rubber coated steel or any other suitable material. In one embodiment the grate shelves 180, 182 are about 3/16 inch thick. The grate shelves 180, 182 may be of any dimensions which fit on the upper flange the tub.

In an embodiment, the top of the device 100 is about 34.5 inches across. In one embodiment, each tub 110, 112 is about 17.25 inches wide at its upper opening 170. As shown in FIG. 4, the grate shelves 180, 182 sit on the flange 174, 176 within the perimeter of an upper opening 170, 172 of each tub 110, 112.

In an alternative embodiment, the grate shelves may be provided to interlock and are supported by and sit on top of the upper opening 170, 172. For example, grate shelves could be provided which have a width of 17.25 inches and interlock to form a top shelf with combined width dimension equal to that of the system compartment, i.e., about 34.5 inches wide.

It is to be understood that although the dimensions provided herein correspond to a system installable or integral with a standard cabinet, a system of any dimensions may be provided for installation in a non-standard cabinet or other article of furniture, or provided integral with a non-standard cabinet or other article of furniture.

Repair kits including the components described, may be provided for repair of water damage to standard cabinets, non-standard cabinets, or other articles of furniture.

As mentioned, water damage from leaking pipes, faucets and sinks is a common problem in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and often necessitates removal and replacement of rotted wood, or even replacement of an entire cabinet. The system of the present invention makes it possible for the cabinet to be repaired. To accomplish the cabinet repair in accordance with the present invention, the user removes the old piece of damaged plywood from the cabinet, thereby exposing the flooring. The wooden support pieces 134 are inserted in the grooves 136 where the plywood was held. The user then positions the tubs 110, 112 on the floor, adjusting the legs 120 to a proper height. Finally, a silicone seal or the like may be used around the edges.

Notably, newly manufactured cabinets, either standard or non-standard, may incorporate the novel water damage protection system. For new cabinets having the water damage protection system already installed, several features are different from those described above. In particular, there would be grooves on the interior sides of the cabinet specifically designed specifically to accommodate the flanges 174, 176 and the legs 120 would not need to be adjustable. Additionally, even for the double-door cabinet, a single tub design may suffice. Even if a double tub were used, it would not be necessary to use two separate, interlocking tubs. Instead the tubs could be one piece.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A water damage protection system, comprising: at least one tub of size and dimensions to fit within a hidden compartment of the interior of a water-damaged cabinet and rest upon the ground; and a grate shelf removably supported by the at least one water tub.
 2. The water damage protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tub includes legs adjustable as to height.
 3. The water damage protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tub is downwardly slanted.
 4. The water damage protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tub includes a water reservoir.
 5. The water damage protection system of claim 1, further comprising a water sensor.
 6. The water damage protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tub is a dual tub.
 7. The water damage protection system of claim 6, wherein the dual tub includes two separate interlocking tubs.
 8. The water damage protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tub includes a flange of size and dimensions to fit into a preexisting groove formed on interior walls of the cabinet.
 9. A water-protected cabinet, comprising: a cabinet; a water damage protection system, comprising: at least one tub of size and dimensions to fit within a hidden compartment of the interior of the cabinet and rest upon the ground; and a grate shelf removably supported by the at least one water tub.
 10. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub includes legs adjustable as to height.
 11. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub is downwardly slanted.
 12. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub includes a water reservoir.
 13. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, further comprising a water sensor.
 14. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub is a dual tub.
 15. The water-protected cabinet of claim 14, wherein the dual tub includes two separate interlocking tubs.
 16. The water-protected cabinet of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub includes a flange of size and dimensions to fit into a preexisting groove formed on interior walls of the cabinet.
 17. The water damage protection system of claim 9, wherein the at least one tub includes a flange of size and dimensions to fit into a groove formed on interior walls of the cabinet.
 18. A method of repairing a water-damaged cabinet, comprising: removing damaged flooring of the interior of the cabinet, exposing a flooring groove; placing the water damage protection system of claim 1 into the cabinet such that the legs rest upon the ground and flanges of the at least one tub are fitted into the groove.
 19. The method claim 18, further comprising interlocking dual tubs together.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising caulking around edges of the flanges. 